The Oyo State Government has announced intensified enforcement of its QR code jacket policy for commercial motorcycle operators following a recent surge in criminal activities involving unregistered riders.
Chairman of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), said Saturday that the government will step up enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with the policy introduced in November 2023.
The directive, reinforced by the Governor’s office through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande, requires all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to register under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme and wear QR code-embedded jackets.
Despite the initial provision of free QR code jackets, compliance has remained low, according to OYRTMA officials. This has allegedly emboldened criminals to use unmarked motorcycles for illegal activities.
Recent incidents cited by authorities include armed robbers on an unmarked motorcycle snatching a trader’s earnings at gunpoint in Bodija Market, a passenger robbery by a fake motorcycle rider in the Challenge Area, and a foiled kidnapping attempt on the UI-Agbowo Axis, where locals reported suspicious riders without QR code jackets.
The QR code system is designed to enable real-time rider verification, prevent crime, allow emergency tracking, and increase passenger trust in commercial motorcycle services.
OYRTMA has announced several enforcement measures, including daily raids and impoundment of non-compliant motorcycles, fines and possible prosecution for violators, and collaboration with security agencies for statewide compliance.
The authority is urging residents to patronise only motorcycle riders wearing official QR code jackets and to spread awareness using the hashtag #NoBarcodeNoRide on social media platforms.
Officials warned that defaulters will be barred from operating on Oyo State roads, emphasising that the policy is implemented for the safety of all residents.
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